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Knives in the dishwasher

Reading Time: 6 minutes | Article from 27.5.2024

“Should you put sharp knives in the dishwasher?” is a very common question. We explain why it’s better to clean some kitchen knives by hand rather than in the dishwasher.

Some knives are better washed by hand They can also go in the dishwasher Why do knives sometimes become blunt?

Content

At a glance

Sharp knives don’t belong in the dishwasher
High temperatures and harsh detergents can make knives blunt
It’s not recommended to put high-quality knives in the cutlery basket of the dishwasher
Correct storage prevents damage to knife blades

Some knives are better washed by hand

As practical as a dishwasher is, it can be harmful to kitchen knives. Over time, repeated dishwasher use can cause knives to become blunt. In the worst case scenario, they may even rust and become unusable. This is because both the handles and blades are affected. It’s extremely frustrating when the beautiful wooden handle of your Villeroy & Boch steak knife suddenly cracks and splinters. But what causes this? Harsh detergents and salts combined with high temperatures in the dishwasher end up making the edge porous and blunt, and therefore more susceptible to rust. The moisture also causes wooden handles to swell and become brittle. Water and a mild washing-up liquid are therefore a better choice for washing certain knives.

High-quality kitchen knives do not belong in the dishwasher

Do you put your high-quality knives in the dishwasher? If so, you probably won't have your beautiful cutting tools for long. Although the damage is always not immediately visible, repeated wash cycles will, over time, make your knives blunt. The detergents in the machine attack the blades. They contain salts which contribute to corrosion and thus to wear-and-tear on knife blades. This causes knives to lose their sharpness and also diminishes their visual appeal. It is therefore advisable not to clean high-quality knives, such as steak, meat, bread and serving knives, in the dishwasher.

The correct way to clean sharp knives

To stop your sharp knives from being damaged in the dishwasher, it is best to clean them by hand. All you need for hand-washing is warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a dishcloth. Hold the kitchen knife briefly under the tap, rub the blade with washing-up liquid and wash everything thoroughly.

Important: do not use a brush, as this can scratch the surface of the blade.

It is best to clean your knives immediately after use. This is because acidic foods can damage blades too. Dry knives with a cloth immediately after cleaning to prevent limescale stains.

For heavy residue or stains, you can use toothpaste or a standard ceramic hob cleaner – something that you’re sure to have at home – to effortlessly remove these marks.

How to store kitchen knives correctly

Many people keep their knives in a drawer. However, the blades can knock against one another or rub against other utensils and damage the material. Scratches can then appear on the blades or they become blunt more quickly. There is also a risk of injury when you take them out. Instead, it’s a good idea to purchase a knife block or a magnetic strip. Both options look smart and keep your knives within easy reach at all times. Drawer inserts also help keep kitchen knives tidy and organised. Alternatively, you can use a blade guard to protect your kitchen knives from damage.

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Suitable for the dishwasher

Cutlery and knives

Never put sharp kitchen knives, such as our pizza and steak knives with walnut-wood handles, in the dishwasher. Many of our stainless steel knives, however, can be cleaned in the dishwasher with no issues. The product details will tell you whether or not a knife is dishwasher-safe.

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Dishwasher

Which knives are suitable?

While certain sharp knives are best washed by hand, simple kitchen knives, dinner knives and ceramic knives can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

If you wash your knives in the dishwasher, there are a few points to bear in mind to maintain their quality and sharpness. Arrange your knives carefully to make sure they do not come into contact with other cutlery or crockery that could damage them. While there is no dedicated rack just for knives, you can arrange them in the cutlery drawer, placing your various cutlery items alongside one another. Some dishwashers also have a cutlery basket. However, opinions differ as to the best way to arrange knives in the dishwasher. On the one hand, positioning your knives in the basket with their blades upwards means the water jet will hit them effectively. On the other hand, there is a risk of accidentally injuring yourself when you go to remove them.

Why do knives sometimes become blunt?

Sooner or later, frequently-used knives will become blunt. As a general rule, the sharper a knife is at the outset, the more often you will need to resharpen it. However, there are other reasons why knives can become blunt, and the dishwasher is a major contributor. Your cutting implements can come into contact with other items in the dishwasher, such as glasses, plates and cups. They can all cause damage to knife blades.

The chemicals in dishwasher detergents can also harm blades or dull their sharpness. In addition, they encourage the formation of rust, which damages blades too. Hard water in the dishwasher can sometimes lead to a build-up of limescale on the blades, which can also harm them.

Dangers from corrosion

Dishwasher salt, detergents and rinse aids contain alkalis, salts and acids. Combined with a high water temperature, they work to leave the items in the dishwasher clean and shiny. However, they also attack the metal on knife blades. The components react with the metal and cause it to rust. In the beginning, this pitting is barely visible. However, over time the marks get bigger and bigger.

To prevent corrosion, it is best to select a gentle dishwasher programme with a low temperature. To stop rust depositing on knives inside the dishwasher, it is important to open the dishwasher door once the programme has finished. This lets the steam to escape. Remove knives from the dishwasher immediately and dry them with a dry cloth.

Our tip

To remove rust from a knife, put some toothpaste or ceramic hob cleaner on a cloth and rub it over the affected area.

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How to enjoy your knives for longer

Many knives can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, there are also plenty of knives that are not dishwasher-safe, for example those with wooden handles. To enjoy your knives for longer, clean them by hand and always dry them thoroughly after washing. A knife block or magnetic strip is recommended for storage. This will keep the blades sharper for longer. You can find high-quality knives in the Villeroy & Boch store. Check out our elegant and versatile stainless steel knives.

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